Pogge, Cottus Cataphractus
1803
Edward Donovan’s 1803 illustration of the Pogge looks less like a fish and more like a tiny, aquatic dragon ready for battle. With its heavy, armor-plated scales running down its back and spiky, fan-like fins, this creature (scientifically known as Cottus cataphractus) is a masterclass in natural defense. Donovan, a prolific naturalist, created this detailed study to document British marine life, capturing the bizarre, prehistoric beauty of a species that usually hides on the sea floor. It’s a perfect example of how 19th-century scientific illustration often made real animals look like they belonged in a fantasy novel.
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